Cory Booker to Visit South Carolina, Stoking Presidential Speculation

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker will return to South Carolina later this month as part of a three-state Southern tour that has stoked further speculation that the senator, who ran for president in 2020, is considering another White House bid in 2028.

Booker officials say the tour, first reported by NOTUS, will highlight the importance of confronting what he calls the “moral moment” facing Americans.

Booker is also set to visit Alabama and Georgia on his tour, which will start in November after next week’s election.

His visit will include town halls, meetings with local Democratic organizations, volunteers and local influencers and creators. Booker will also participate in activities supporting Georgia Democrats’ midterm election efforts.

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The South Carolina stop could hold particular significance: Officials with the Democratic National Committee selected South Carolina to hold the first sanctioned nominating contest of the 2024 primary, and it is widely expected to again be one of the first four states to vote in 2028.

Booker ran for president in 2020 but failed to gain widespread support and eventually dropped out of the race before any state held its nominating contest.

He is also set to appear in New Hampshire this month. The state has traditionally hosted an early primary, even if it officially lost its place in the 2024 nominating contest.

The 2028 Democratic presidential primary is expected to be wide open, potentially including candidates, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.